VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow Town, hosts artwork from local, national and international artists in five different gallery spaces. Admission is free of charge to all the gallery spaces. There are also a lot of activities to enjoy with various workshops and classes taking place in the building as part of the Learning and Engagement Programme throughout the year.
VISUAL has a theatre which hosts a varied programme of music, comedy, drama, film and dance. The George Bernard Shaw Theatre can seat 335 people, and a full list of events can be viewed on their website or by calling the box office team.
VISUAL was designed by Terry Pawson, a British architect with vast experience in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sector after he won an international architectural competition held by the RIAI. The €18m development is a joint project of Carlow Local Authorities and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism under the Access Programme.
VISUAL also houses a restaurant, Lennons@Visual.
- Mack Fleetwood
Mack Fleetwood Europe’s premier tribute to the supergroup bring you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling band that still tours today
- Joe the Magician - Live
Family funJoe the Magician - Live Joe the Magician from 'Dizzy Deliveries' on RTÉjr bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to VISUAL Carlow
- Music @ Mount Leinster Gala Concert 2026
Family funMusic @ Mount Leinster Gala Concert 2026 A gala concert showcasing eight extraordinary youth ensembles from across Ireland as they take to the stage for an unforgettable night of traditional Irish music.
- Perfect Wedding presented by Laois Open Door Theatre
Arts and culturePerfect Wedding presented by Laois Open Door Theatre Laois Open Door Theatre present a night of riotous comedy full of confusion, identities, lies and door slamming.
- Chez Jack L + All The Hits
Arts and cultureChez Jack L + All The Hits Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Jack Lukeman returns featuring a powerful mix of his own classics and celebrated interpretations of artists like Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, and Kurt Weill.
- David McSavage 'The Occasional Ride'
Arts and cultureDavid McSavage 'The Occasional Ride' David McSavage returns with his new stand-up show featuring truth bombs dressed up as jokes and self-loathing wrapped in charm...
- Pas de Panique
Family funPas de Panique A charmingly hap-hazard odyssey to the limits of human existence from emerging Catalan/Irish theatre company Can ai Gó
- The Carpenters Experience
Arts and cultureThe Carpenters Experience A Carpenters show like no other, featuring the amazing voice of Maggie Nestor and eight top-class musicians.
Stroll around the 18th century surrounding parklands of Carlow College next door. Pop into the reception on weekdays to view the Carlow Art Collection, housed there permanently.
